Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15: Life on Land

Caraga State University (CSU) continues to show its strong commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land by generating research that protects, restores, and promotes the sustainable management of terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity. The University’s Research, Development, Innovation, and Extension (RDIE) programs remain grounded in science-based strategies and evidence-driven solutions that support environmental stewardship in the Caraga Region and beyond.

SDG 15.1 — Research on Land Ecosystems

In 2024, CSU produced fifteen (15) research publications focused on land ecosystems, biodiversity conservation, sustainable land management, and ecosystem health. These studies cover a wide scope of terrestrial environmental issues, from biodiversity assessments and species discovery, to land cover change analysis, forest ecosystem restoration, phytoremediation, soil and watershed modeling, and nature-based solutions.. Among these are the following:

1. From Waste to Wealth: Entrepreneurial Ventures in Chitosan Extraction for Environmental Sustainability
2. A-PoRM SIPLAS: Assessing The Post-Disaster Recovery Of Mangrove Forest In Siargao Island Protected Landscape And Seascape (SIPLAS) Area Using Sentinel-1 SAR Data
3. Species diversity and spatial distribution of bats in Butuan City, Philippines
4. Morpho-Physiological Responses of Malabayabas (Tristaniopsis decorticata (Merr.) Peter G. Wilson & J.T. Waterh.) Seedlings Inoculated with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi
5. Land Use and Cover Change in Watersheds within Mining Tenements in Agusan Del Norte, Philippines
6. The Potential of Talisay-Dagat (Terminalia catappa L.) for Phytoremediation in Langihan Lagoon, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Philippines
7. Unraveling the leaf shape variations of sea almond: insights from a geographical analysis in Iligan city, Philippines
8. Length/Width-Weight Relationship of Giuris laglaizei Sauvage, 1880 and Evaluation of the Morphometric Variations among its Colormorphs in Lake Mainit, Northeastern Mindanao, the Philippines
9. Metal Accumulation of plants in a nickel laterite mine and their phytoremediation and phytomining potential
10. Modeling the current and future potential distribution of Mangkono (Xanthostemon verdugonianus) in Caraga Region using species distribution modeling technique
11. Design and Development of a Non-Destructive Feature-Based Multi-Commodity Moisture Content Sensor System Using Machine Learning and Computer Vision
12. Etlingera lacerata (Alpinieae, Zingiberaceae), a new ginger species discovered in Mindanao Island, Philippines
13. Freshwater Fishes in Traditional Markets of the Largest Urban City of Caraga Region, Philippines
14. Modeling of Sediment Export and Retention Capacity of Land covers in Taguibo Watershed, Butuan City, Philippines using InVEST-SDR
15. Mapping bamboo species in Agusan del Norte, Caraga region using remote sensing and GIS techniques

Collectively, these research contributions demonstrate CSU’s leadership in placing science at the center of biodiversity conservation and land-use planning in Caraga Region. More importantly, these outputs move beyond publication, they are used as bases for extension programs, local policy recommendations, capacity-building of communities and local government units, and in improving the public’s understanding of land resources. Through these sustained research efforts, CSU continues to contribute meaningfully to protecting ecosystems, restoring degraded lands, and sustaining life on land for present and future generations.

15.2 Supporting land ecosystems through education

15.2.1 Events about sustainable use of land

Caraga State University (CSU) implements university-wide events that promote the sustainable use of land by inspiring awareness, knowledge sharing, and multi-disciplinary dialogue on land management, biodiversity protection, climate change, and environmental conservation. These events bring together policy makers, scientists, researchers, faculty, students, and community stakeholders to discuss and co-create solutions that protect terrestrial ecosystems and strengthen climate resilience in the Caraga Region.

1. LIKHA Summit 2024

One of the major university-organized events in 2024 was the LIKHA Summit, held on October 28–30, 2024 with the theme “Innovating for a Sustainable Future: Research, Development, Innovation, and Extension in Practice.” Within this summit was the 1st Regional Climate Change Action & Innovation Forum, a sub-conference designed to address climate and land-related environmental challenges. The forum included thematic areas strongly aligned to SDG 15: Life on Land — specifically:

• Environmental Conservation
• Sustainable Agricultural and Food Innovations
• Forestry and Environmental Sciences

  The event served as a public platform where researchers and experts shared field-based evidence, innovative technologies, and science-based practices in land resource management, forest ecosystem protection, land-use planning, and climate-smart agriculture. Through these public events, CSU demonstrates its active role in educating communities, strengthening environmental stewardship, and promoting the sustainable use of land ecosystems consistent with the objectives of SDG 15.

  Public evidence of this event is available on CSU’s official LIKHA Summit website: https://likhasummit.carsu.edu.ph/climate_change_action/

2. Launching of Natural Science Museum

On November 25, 2024, Caraga State University soft-launched its Natural Science Museum located at the HERO Learning Commons. Established by the Department of Biology under the College of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (CMNS), the museum highlights the region’s rich biodiversity through curated specimens of flora and fauna collected from CSU’s research projects and biodiversity assessments across Caraga.

The launch also featured mobile museum exhibit boxes provided by Professor Leonardo Estaño, former CSU faculty and current Museum Curator of the MSU-IIT Natural Science Museum. To further strengthen institutional capacity, faculty and students participated in a two-day workshop on museum establishment and herbarium management (November 25–26, 2024).

The Natural Science Museum now serves as an accessible venue for research, instruction, and public awareness on the ecological heritage of the region. It is designed not only as a repository of biological collections, but also as a learning hub that supports community engagement and fosters deeper appreciation and understanding of Caraga’s terrestrial ecosystems.

Public evidence of this event is available at: https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=986078866891582&id=100064684327109&rdid=KF1be2XDWtwZydCA#

3. 2024 National Volunteer Month Webinar

Caraga State University (CSU), in partnership with the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA), conducted the 2024 National Volunteer Month Webinar with the theme “Climate Change Adaptation and Environmental Volunteering” on December 23, 2024. Held via Zoom teleconferencing, the webinar aimed to reach volunteers, institutions, and stakeholder groups across the country, including local government units, national agencies, private sector organizations, academic institutions, NGOs/CSOs, and community groups.

The initiative provided a platform to capacitate participants on the critical role of environmental volunteering in addressing climate change. Discussions focused on how volunteer-driven actions contribute to reforestation, disaster preparedness, sustainable land-use practices, and community awareness campaigns. By highlighting real-world examples and best practices, the session emphasized how volunteerism serves as a bridge between environmental policies and on-the-ground action.

This activity demonstrates CSU’s commitment to engaging the public in climate-responsive and ecosystem-supportive initiatives, strengthening awareness, participation, and collective action for environmental sustainability.

Public evidence of this event is available at: https://www.facebook.com/csu.ceas/posts/pfbid0X3Zi1uayZWJ8GeFPPmgauAhVtKjKp1Uh9pBB7c8mgdp3AFvxhfyEySNtBjvqbrbul

4. Agroforestry Field Day

On December 16, 2025, the Caraga State University–Agroforestry Demonstration and Laboratory Area (CSU-AFDLA) hosted an Agroforestry Field Day to promote the adoption of agroforestry as a climate-smart, biodiversity-friendly, and sustainable approach to food production. The activity was conducted in partnership with East-West Seed Philippines, a well-recognized producer of high-quality seeds in the country. During the event, resource speakers from CSU, East-West Seed, and local agriculture offices shared good practices, business models, and real applications of agroforestry in crop production and land management. Students and farmer participants also engaged in farm tours and field demonstrations, where they observed agroforestry plots, diverse crop combinations, and the output of improved seed varieties.

The Field Day emphasized that integrating trees and crops can simultaneously improve soil fertility, enhance productivity, increase resilience to climate variability, and support long-term land sustainability. Testimonies from students and partner farmers further highlighted how technology and good seed choices can positively influence farm performance within agroforestry systems. This event contributes to SDG 15 by demonstrating practical and replicable strategies for sustainable use of land resources, while strengthening community knowledge in climate-responsive agricultural practices.

Public evidence of this event is available at: https://www.facebook.com/csu.cofes/posts/pfbid02jiSN1CfBHo7SdDNtyyKLAt1E6RWfPEtkBFNKGwn9dw6XPrZJQ1Y2zSv24EXXUynPl

15.2.2 Sustainably farmed food on campus

The CSU–College of Agriculture and Agri–Business (CSU-CAA), with Ms. Febie T. Paglinawan as the designated project head (Special order No. 282, s. 2023 Designations of the project heads in the College of Agriculture and Agri-Industries), the Ka Agri Farm through its sustainably managed campus farm. The farm ensures that all food produced on campus is grown using environmentally responsible and sustainable practices. It also serves as a demonstration and learning site for students and visitors.

Official Facebook Page of Ka-Agri Farm: CSU-CAA Ka-Agri Farm’s Post

15.2.3 Maintain and extend current ecosystems’ biodiversity

Caraga State University actively works to maintain and enhance existing ecosystems and biodiversity, particularly in areas that are ecologically fragile or at risk. One notable initiative is Project BACAS (Biodiversity Assessment on the Proposed Establishment of the Local Conservation Area in Barangay Sumile), implemented by the Center for Research in Environmental Management and Eco-Governance (CREME).

From February 15–17, 2024, CREME conducted a three-day reconnaissance biodiversity survey covering the Zoological Garden and selected forested areas within Barangay Sumile. The project is implemented in collaboration with the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) – LGU Butuan City and the LGU of Sumile. The assessment includes flora, macrofungi, arthropods, birds, herpetofauna, volant and non-volant mammals — generating baseline ecological data to support the designation of Barangay Sumile as a local biodiversity hotspot and its potential establishment as a Local Conservation Area (LCA).

These activities deepen the scientific understanding of land-based species communities in Sumile and directly contribute to developing site-specific conservation strategies. Through projects like BACAS, CSU strengthens its role in protecting threatened landscapes, informing science-based local policy, and advancing biodiversity conservation within the region.

Public evidence of this event is available at: Center for Research in Environmental Management and Eco-Governance’s Post

Additionally, CSU is actively implementing the Eastern Mindanao Biodiversity Corridor Project (Clusters 1, 3, and 4), an ongoing initiative focused on integrated ecosystem management and the conservation of biodiversity across critical habitats. On April 11, 2024, the Center for Research in Environmental Management and Eco-Governance (CREME), under the leadership of Dr. Romell Seronay, in partnership with the Center for Environmental Law and Policy Advocacy (CELPA), conducted a Project Orientation and Stakeholders’ Planning Workshop at the CSU Activity Loft, Ampayon, Butuan City.

The workshop convened a wide array of stakeholders, including local and provincial government units, Municipal and Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Offices, and NGOs from across the Caraga Region. Participants collaboratively identified Protected Areas (PAs), Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs), and Other Effective Conservation Measures (OECMs), reviewed existing and proposed conservation programs, and discussed strategies to overcome challenges in maintaining and extending ecosystem biodiversity.

The event also featured a comprehensive overview from the DENR Regional Office, providing stakeholders with technical insights into biodiversity corridors and conservation practices. Through activities such as capacity-building workshops, stakeholder planning sessions, and collaborative program reviews, CSU strengthens partnerships and advances sustainable conservation efforts, contributing directly to the maintenance and expansion of current ecosystems and their biodiversity in the region.

Public evidence of this event is available at: Center for Research in Environmental Management and Eco-Governance’s Post

15.2.4 Educational programmes on ecosystems

On November 26, 2024, CSU, through the Community Learning for Environmental Awareness and Nurturing (CLEAN) for Brgy. Pagatpatan, Butuan City, successfully conducted a Seminar on Ecological Mangrove Rehabilitation for Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science students. The seminar combined informative talks, hands-on activities such as mapping and species identification, and expert guidance to enhance participants’ understanding of coastal ecosystems and strengthen practical skills in mangrove conservation.

The event emphasized the crucial role of mangroves in preserving coastlines, mitigating climate change, and supporting biodiversity, while fostering collaboration among students, specialists, and community stakeholders. By integrating theoretical knowledge with experiential learning, the seminar not only raised awareness on ecological restoration but also contributed to building capacity for sustainable ecosystem management. Through initiatives like this, CSU continues to advance environmental education and promote active stewardship of natural resources, in line with the principles of sustainable development and ecosystem conservation.

Public evidence of this event is available at:

CSU Main – Caraga Environmental Advocates Society’s Post

15.2.5 Sustainable management of land for agriculture (educational outreach)

CSU advances sustainable agricultural practices through training and capacity-building initiatives that promote environmentally responsible farming, crop management, and resource conservation.  Recent trainings conducted under this indicator include:

1. A notable example under this indicator is the “Addressing Virus Diseases in Abaca Production: Status Update and Comprehensive Training on Production and Disease Management” conducted from April 15–19, 2024 in Agusan del Norte (Cabadbaran City and Las Nieves) and Agusan del Sur (San Luis, Talacogon, and Prosperidad). This series of training activities was implemented under the DA-BIOTECH-funded research project, “Towards Management of Abaca Virus Disease Using Sensitive Tools: Updating Nature of Disease and Incidence”, headed by Dr. Elizabeth P. Parac. These sessions equipped farmers and agricultural workers with practical knowledge and tools to manage virus-related challenges, improve abaca production, and implement sustainable farming practices. By understanding disease spread, adopting mitigation strategies, and integrating pest management techniques, participants were empowered to safeguard their crops and contribute to the long-term resilience and sustainability of the abaca industry in the Caraga Region.

   Public evidence of this event is available at: CSU – CAA Research and Extension’s Post

2. Training on Irrigated Lowland Rice Production and Management – On April 24, 2025, the College of Agriculture and Agri-Industries, through the Department of Plants and Soil Sciences (DPSS), in collaboration with Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (BSA) and Bachelor of Agricultural Technology (BAT) students, successfully conducted a training program on irrigated lowland rice production and management. The training was designed to enhance awareness, knowledge, and practical skills in rice production among local farmers. Participants, including farmers from Barangay Baan, were provided with the latest techniques and best practices in irrigated rice cultivation. This initiative aimed to empower farmers with new knowledge and skills, ultimately contributing to increased agricultural productivity, improved food security, and sustainable rural development. By integrating academic expertise with community engagement, the training strengthened the link between CSU’s extension programs and local agricultural sustainability.

   Public evidence of this event is available at: CSU – CAA Research and Extension’s Post

3. Agrimmunity 2024: Training on Vegetable Seedling Production and Nursery Management – On July 30, 2024, the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences (DPSS) of the College of Agriculture and Agri-Industries (CSU-CAA) conducted Agrimmunity 2024: Training on Seedling Production and Nursery Management at the Organic Agriculture Training Center (OATC). The training aimed to equip participants with sustainable techniques in vegetable seedling production and nursery establishment, reinforcing CSU’s commitment to addressing essential agricultural needs and promoting environmentally responsible farming practices. Thirty-one (31) vegetable farmers and barangay council members from ten LGUs in Butuan City, including Barangays Ampayon, Antongalon, Baan, Basag, Los Angeles, Taguibo, Taligaman, Tiniwisan, Obrero, and Sumilihon, actively participated in the program. The training featured expert sessions on seedling production, soil media preparation, biofertilizers, and pest management delivered by DPSS faculty.

   A notable highlight was the introduction of biofertilizer products through the Biochar Project, funded by the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR), aimed at advancing organic vegetable farming practices. Participants also engaged in practical demonstrations and farm tours at Ka-Agri Farm and the Mycorrhizal Laboratory, gaining hands-on experience in seedling production and biofertilizer application. Through initiatives like Agrimmunity 2024, CSU continues to empower local farmers with practical knowledge and sustainable farming skills, strengthening agricultural productivity, environmental stewardship, and community development in the region.

   Public evidence of this event is available at: CSU – CAA Research and Extension’s Post

4.  SciTech Training: Coffee Farming Technologies and Sustainability – On May 23–24, 2025, the College of Agriculture and Agri-Industries – Department of Plant and Soil Sciences (DPSS), in collaboration with DOST-Caraga, conducted a training program for coffee farmers of SAFABAI, Simbalan, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte. The training combined lectures and practical, hands-on activities delivered by experienced DPSS faculty, providing participants with up-to-date coffee farming technologies and sustainable management practices. Farmers actively engaged in demonstrations on coffee rejuvenation, ethrel application, and nursery establishment, enhancing their practical skills and reinforcing knowledge retention. This initiative aimed to bridge the gap between technological advancements and the practical challenges faced by local farmers, equipping participants with the tools and techniques necessary to improve coffee production, sustain farm productivity, and promote environmentally responsible practices. Through programs like this, CSU continues to strengthen its extension efforts and support the long-term sustainability and resilience of agricultural communities.

   Public evidence of this event is available at: CAA Extension Services | RISE ADN SciTech Training

5. Seedling Distribution Program – The College of Agriculture and Agri-Industries (CSU-CAA) implemented a vegetable seedling distribution program across various barangays in Butuan City as part of its support for the Gulayan sa Barangay initiative. This program aims to encourage individuals, families, and communities to engage in community gardening activities, promoting food production at both household and community levels and ensuring access to fresh, organically produced, and nutritionally rich foods. Through this program, CSU-CAA continues to empower local communities and schools, enhance food security, and strengthen sustainable agricultural practices by enabling participants to implement and maintain home and community-based gardening projects.

   Public evidence of this event is available at: CSU – CAA Research and Extension’s Post

15.3 Supporting land ecosystems through action

15.3.1 Sustainable use, conservation and restoration of land (policy)

During the BCWMC 4th Quarterly Meeting, the proposed Biodiversity Assessment for the Local Conservation Area in Brgy. Sumile, Butuan City (BACAS), held on September 27, 2024, was formally recommended

15.3.3 Local biodiversity included in planning and development

Caraga State University (CSU) integrates local biodiversity considerations into its campus planning and development processes to ensure that infrastructure growth aligns with environmental protection. Prior to site development or construction, the University consults ecological data generated through its research centers—particularly CREME—ensuring that areas with significant flora and fauna are identified, assessed, and protected. Biodiversity assessments such as Project BACAS and other reconnaissance surveys provide essential baseline information that guides land-use decisions, helping to retain natural habitats, conserve native species, and maintain ecological balance across campus and partner communities.

Source:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/196A4VVGP2AihXXQ8DGSJZsJI6ga5Q41Q?usp=drive_link

15.3.5 Collaboration for shared land ecosystems

CSU collaborates with local communities, LGUs, DENR, and NGOs to protect and sustain shared land ecosystems through biodiversity assessments, stakeholder planning workshops, tree-growing activities, agroforestry demonstrations, mangrove rehabilitation, and seedling distribution programs, strengthening collective stewardship of ecologically significant areas.The following partners have formal MOAs with CSU:

1. Memorandum of Agreement with Department of Environment and Natural Resources Regional Office XIII (DENR R13) under Research Project entitled “Formulation of Cluster Management Plans on Integrated Approach in Management of Eastern Mindanao Biodiversity Corridor – Cluster 1,3, & 4”
2. Memorandum of Agreement with Local Government Unit-Barangay Pagatpatan, Butuan City under Extension Project “Community Learning for Environment Awareness and nurturing (CLEAN)”
3. Memorandum of Agreement with Department of Science and Technology-Caraga Region (DOST-CARAGA), BLGU of Lawan Lawan, Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte, Sitio Antipolo Farmers Association of Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, INC. (SAFABAI) and Simbalan Farmers Agriculture Cooperative (SIFACO) under the project titled “ Research and Innovation towards achieving Sustainable Economies for Agusan del Norte (RISE ADN)”
   Source: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1p6i3ccWRk2nsGH9mBelmtRmVspufLRt-?usp=sharing
   

15.4 Land sensitive waste disposal

Caraga State University has formal standards, guidelines, and policies that uphold water quality and proper waste management on campus in compliance with national environmental laws and to protect ecosystems, wildlife, and human health.

15.4.1 Water discharge guidelines and standards

Adopt-an-Estero/Water Body (AEWB) Program – Caraga State University upholds water discharge standards consistent with the Philippine Clean Water Act and, through coordination with EMB–Caraga, actively participates in the Adopt-an-Estero/Water Body (AEWB) Program. As part of this initiative, CSU expressed its commitment to adopt a 356-meter section of the creek upstream and downstream of Harizon Bridge within the main campus. This program is a collaborative effort involving the Estero community, donor partners, local government units, other government agencies, and DENR, aimed at addressing the challenges of water resource management, solid waste management, and wastewater control.

The Pollution Control Unit leads compliance monitoring and ensures the adoption of water quality guidelines, while mobilizing local estero communities to participate in clean-up activities, planning, and long-term maintenance. Through this program, CSU strengthens its commitment to safeguarding ecosystems, promoting environmental stewardship, and fostering sustainable management of water resources within and around the campus.

Public evidence of this event is available at: CSU Pollution Control Unit’s Post

15.4.2 Policy on plastic waste reduction

Plastic Waste Reduction and Solid Waste Management Policy – Caraga State University implements an active plastic waste reduction and solid waste management policy on campus, institutionalized through Memo No. 33, s. 2024 (Memo No. 33, s. 2024), which establishes proper waste segregation and disposal procedures for all utility personnel. To support the operational enforcement of this policy, CSU conducted a school-based orientation-seminar on RA 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000) and RA 6969 (Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990) on March 27, 2024, at the CSUCC Gymnasium. The seminar aimed to raise awareness on proper waste management, educate personnel and students about eco-friendly practices, and empower participants to become advocates for environmental sustainability.

The event featured expert presentations from the City Environment and Natural Resources Office of Cabadbaran and CSU’s Pollution Control and Environmental Management Office, providing technical guidance on hazardous waste management and solid waste disposal. The activity was supported by the CSU administration and campus units, ensuring comprehensive participation and engagement. Through initiatives like this, CSU actively promotes environmental awareness, proper waste segregation, and the adoption of sustainable practices, reinforcing its commitment to clean, safe, and sustainable campus ecosystems.

Public evidence of this event is available at: CSUCC Office of the Pollution Control and Environmental Management’s Post

15.4.3 Policy on hazardous waste disposal

Hazardous Waste Management Policy – Caraga State University maintains an active hazardous waste management policy aligned with RA 6969 (Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Control Act of 1990). This policy is institutionalized through Memo No. 50, s. 2024 (Memo No. 50, s.2024), which mandates participation in Hazardous Waste Management Seminars to ensure compliance and promote best practices across campus units. In line with this policy, the CSU Pollution Control and Environmental Management Office (PCEMO), in partnership with EMB Caraga, conducted a Hazardous Waste Management Seminar at the HERO Archives Room. The seminar aimed to enhance the university community’s understanding of legal obligations, best practices, and emergency response procedures related to hazardous waste.

Key resource persons included Engr. Myreen L. Guzman, Chemical and Hazardous Waste Permitting Section Chief, and For. Honey G. Deligero, Chemical and Hazardous Waste Monitoring Section Chief, who provided comprehensive discussions on the characteristics, types, and Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA 6969. Participants included representatives from various hazardous waste-generating offices across both CSU-Main and Cabadbaran campuses. The event was successfully administered by Prof. Vincent N. Cotoron, Pollution Control Officer, and Mr. Felix P. Largo Jr., PCEMO staff, with technical support from the Caraga Environmental Advocates Society. Through this initiative, CSU strengthens its commitment to safe hazardous waste handling, regulatory compliance, and the protection of campus and surrounding ecosystems.

Public evidence of this event is available at: CSU Pollution Control Unit’s Post